In Memory of the Atomic Bomb Test Bikini Atoll – Marshall Islands Operations Crossroads

Souvenir map ‘certificate’ from Operations Crossroads, an atomic bomb test.

This uncommon cartographic testimonial was published in 1946 to commemorate Operations Crossroads, the postwar testing of two atomic bomb detonations in the Bikini Atoll. Nicknamed Able and Baker, the pair of controlled explosions evaluated aerial delivery on a cluster of ships, as well as the effects of an underwater blast. The souvenir certificate was distributed to various participants and is sometimes seen with a ship’s name printed below ‘On Board the Good Ship.’

The central image presents a simple outline of the Marshall Islands, with various labeled islands surrounding a large group of naval vessels. The target ship, the U.S.S. Nevada, is highlighted orange to reflect the paint applied to her superstructure during the test. A B-29 Superfortress, presumably Dave’s Dream, is shown flying over the site, while a number of decorative elements and naval motifs comprise the border.

The sheet was designed by Ray Wallace in 1946 and published by W.G. (Walter Garfield) Crosby in San Pedro, California. Printed on thin paper, likely to save on shipping costs when mailed home as a souvenir.